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Veterans'
Sections
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The
Lucas County Civil War monument, dedicated on May 25, 1901, commemorates area
veterans. Made of granite in a Grecian needle design, it stands sixty-five feet
tall and weighs 32,000 pounds.
The
memorial is surrounded by 295 graves that are laid out in the shape of a five-point
star, the symbol of the Grand Army of the Republic, which is referred to by historians as the "GAR." At the time of the dedication
in 1901, the graves were all of unknown soldiers. Today, all except one have been
identified.
Civil War soldiers are buried in two GAR Sections, 28 and 41. General James Steedman
was a contractor who built the Wabash & Erie Canal and the Toledo, Wabash & Western
Railroad. He was also an editor of the Toledo Times. At the Battle of Chickamauga,
his command prevented serious disaster for the Union forces. Known thereafter
as "Old Chickamauga", he served at General Sherman's Atlanta campaign. Steedman's
bronze bust is perched on top of a seven-foot high pedestal.
John Fuller attained the rank of General because of his heroic actions
in the Battle of Atlanta. Colonel Henry G. Neubert who also participated in Sherman's
march to the sea, designed his own memorial, a bronze relief sculpture on a pedestal
depicting him on horseback next to Sherman. Several Civil War, Ohio Infantry,
Medal of Honor Soldiers are also buried in Section 28.
Part
of Section 24 is also set aside for veteran interment. This is the newest veteran
section and is restricted for the burial of veterans and their spouses only. Replicas
of cannons and the United States and MIA flags add visual interest to the space and
serve to honor the heroes who are buried there. Veterans who purchase a pre-need package at
Woodlawn receive a substantial discount.
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